Warren Winchester's guest column ("If Vero Beach is to sell its electric system, at least do it in a way that would best serve customers, taxpayers" (July 19), was incorrect on a number of points.

First, he says a decision should be based on local harmony and not financial reasons. There is no local harmony because 61 percent of the ratepayers are outside the city and are captives of a city that does not represent them. Financial reasons are important, particularly when less costly alternatives are available!

Second, Florida Power & Light must provide a Public Service Commission approved "reasonable value" for the city's utility. That doesn't mean "top dollar" or "fire sale" prices, but an independent value to be determined based on utility assets, age, depreciation, return on equity, etc.

Third, the city's utility must be run "as an enterprise fund supported only by revenues of the system and not by property taxes." City taxpayers don't pay for the utility! The city gets about $8 million ($5 million from outside city ratepayers) in funds via transfers from the electric utility to its budget. In fact, if the electric utility is sold, then the proceeds that go only to the city and its taxpayers will have mostly come from the ratepayers outside the city. City ratepayers and city taxpayers should thank the outside customers for their past contributions.

However, the gravy train must end.

The Indian River County Commission and Town of Indian River Shores have every right to be a full party to the utility discussions and actions, as their voters and taxpayers are held captive by the city utility, don't have a voice or vote in the city, and are involuntarily paying for city government operations. We appreciate all that the county and Indian River Shores governments have done to date.

City voters need to hear the committed positions on utility and other issues of the candidates for city council in the November elections and make an informed vote. Then, the new city council should weigh all facts and do the same on utility issues.